Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread: Quick, Flavorful, and Your New Favorite Appetizer
Are you searching for the perfect appetizer, a delightful lunch, or some serious snack inspiration? Look no further! Our Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread recipe is here to steal the show and quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Imagine the comforting crunch of classic garlic bread, elevated to new heights with a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious topping of seasoned shrimp and creamy avocado. This isn’t just garlic bread; it’s the next best thing, transforming a simple side into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Originally introduced in 2014 as the popular Garlic Shrimp And Avocado Crostini, this updated version takes everything you loved about the original and makes it even better. We’ve refined the concept, ensuring every bite delivers an incredible balance of textures and flavors. Crispy, golden garlic bread provides the perfect foundation for a simple yet incredibly flavorful shrimp and avocado mixture, brightened with juicy grape or cherry tomatoes and a symphony of aromatic spices. The result? A guaranteed winner that disappears faster than you can say “seconds!”
Why This Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread Recipe Shines
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a speedy weeknight meal, or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe fits the bill. With major celebrations like the 4th of July approaching for many, there’s no better time to master this crowd-pleaser. These delectable toasts have a magical way of vanishing from the platter in record time – think “Speedy Gonzalez” level fast! They are incredibly addictive, offering a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone reaching for more.
The magic lies in the masterful layering of ingredients. We start with robust, perfectly baked garlic bread, golden brown and fragrant from the oven. On top, a rich and chunky avocado dip is generously piled, then pimped up with succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp. The blend of crispy, tender, and creamy elements creates a flavor explosion that must be experienced to be believed. You simply can’t imagine the deliciousness until you’ve made and tasted them for yourself!
The Evolution: From Crostini to Crispy Garlic Bread
When this recipe first debuted as crostini, it was a hit. However, a culinary “accident” during a video shoot led to a revelation: spreading garlic butter directly onto the bread before toasting. And oh, what a glorious accident it was! This intentional “mistake” elevated the dish to a whole new level, infusing every bite of the bread with an extra layer of savory garlic goodness, creating the truly irresistible base we use today. Sometimes, the best innovations happen when you least expect them in the kitchen.
This upgraded method ensures that the garlic bread is not just a carrier but an integral part of the flavor profile. The warm, buttery, and garlicky crunch contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy avocado and the tender, zesty shrimp. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, hitting all the right notes of savory, fresh, and satisfying.
Key Ingredients for Flavor Perfection
Each component of this Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread plays a crucial role in its outstanding flavor:
- Garlic Bread: We recommend a ciabatta or sourdough loaf, sliced thick enough to hold the topping but thin enough to get perfectly crispy edges and a soft interior. The homemade garlic butter is key here for maximum flavor.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp are marinated briefly with garlic, sweet paprika, and lemon juice. This simple marinade tenderizes the shrimp and infuses it with a delightful zesty and smoky note before a quick sear.
- Avocado: Ripe, creamy avocado is the heart of the topping. It provides a luxurious texture and a mild, buttery flavor that complements the sharpness of the lemon and the richness of the shrimp.
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Halved tomatoes add bursts of sweetness and a pleasant acidity, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh element to the avocado mixture.
- Fresh Parsley: Used in both the shrimp marinade and the garlic butter, parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- Lemon Juice: Essential for both the shrimp and the avocado salad, lemon juice provides a crucial zesty kick, preventing the avocado from browning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Tips for Perfecting Your Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread
Achieving perfection with this dish is easy with a few simple tips:
- Choose the Right Bread: A good quality ciabatta or sourdough loaf is paramount. Its sturdy crust and airy interior are ideal for soaking up garlic butter and holding the topping without getting soggy.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them until they turn opaque.
- Ripe Avocados are Key: For the creamiest and most flavorful avocado topping, ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Garlic Butter is a Must: While the original crostini didn’t feature it, adding garlic butter to your bread is the secret to this recipe’s upgraded deliciousness. It creates a deeply savory, aromatic base.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve these toasts warm, shortly after assembly. The contrast between the warm, crispy bread and the cool, fresh topping is divine.
LOOKING FOR MORE APPETIZER IDEAS? TRY THESE!
If you’re anything like us and love a good appetizer, here are some other fantastic recipes to explore:
- Caprese Stuffed Avocado
- Cheese Ball Antipasto
- Sausage Cream Cheese Dip Stuffed Mushrooms
WATCH US MAKE SHRIMP AVOCADO GARLIC BREAD RIGHT HERE!
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Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ciabatta bread loaf or sourdough, cut into 1cm slices
Garlic Shrimp:
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 pound shrimp no tail, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
Avocado Salad:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp see above
- 1 avocado cubed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice half a lemon
- 1 pinch salt to season
Garlic Butter
- 1/3 cup butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to grill/broil settings on medium – high heat. Place bread on a baking tray lightly greased with cooking oil spray or oil. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on each slice (you should between 12-15 slices). Grill/broil until golden. Remove and set aside. (While garlic bread is baking, prepare the rest of your ingredients while keeping an eye on your bread.)
For The Garlic Shrimp:
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Combine garlic, paprika, lemon juice and shrimp in a bowl and mix well to combine the ingredients. Add salt to season (to your tastes). Drizzle about a teaspoon of oil into a large frying pan or skillet. When pan is hot, and the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until no longer opaque in colour, and cooked through (being careful not to overcook them). Take off the heat and add the parsley. Set aside to cool slightly.
Salad:
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Combine the avocado, tomato, lemon juice and salt in a bowl, mixing well to combine. Add the shrimp, and fold through gently. Spoon shrimp and avocado mixture onto toasted garlic bread. Serve warm or slightly cooled!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Final Thoughts on This Delightful Creation
Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion, a casual get-together, or simply a delicious meal at home, our Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread promises to impress. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary. The fusion of crispy, garlicky bread, succulent and spicy shrimp, and creamy, zesty avocado is a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe is not just about making food; it’s about creating moments of pure enjoyment and delight for everyone around the table.
We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be shy with the garlic butter – it makes all the difference! Enjoy the process, savor the aromas filling your kitchen, and most importantly, relish every single bite of this incredible Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread. Happy cooking!